Player Ratings

Ederson: 6
Had a lot to deal with despite few shots on target and dealt with it well despite a few scares, causing more calm than panic.

Walker: 7
Was not immune to the problems in the first half but he improved over the game and had a fierce shot brilliantly saved.

Dias: 7
A few shaky moments early on hitting passes straight into the back of Rodri, but an outstanding block in the second half.

Ake: 7
City's strongest defender again. Rolled cleverly by Toney for the goal but oozed class whenever the ball went near him.

Gvardiol: 6
Once again, good going forward without being great defending. Much more good than bad, but the bad can still be costly.

Rodri: 8
Very good from the start, ensuring City had the control of the game despite a more attacking lineup than usual.

Alvarez: 7
Used the ball well whenever he got on it, with sharp shooting and neat passes helping City to cause problems.

De Bruyne:8
Another assist and more danger when he ran at the Brentford defence or whipped a ball in. The home side looked worried whenever he was on it.

Silva: 6
Not quite at his best, with one silly ball putting Ederson under pressure at the back, and was the first change.

Foden: 9
A majestic performance, dragging City back into the game, then ahead, then killing it. What a talent.

Haaland 7
The goal did not come but there was plenty of good play and he earned an assist for Foden's third.

Doku: 6
Stationed out on the right, and tried to get involved.

Kovacic: No time.

This post has been edited by kjs86: Feb 6 2024, 07:50 AM

Player Ratings

GK: Ederson - 5/10 - Made some strange decisions racing out of his box from time to time.

RB: Kyle Walker - 6/10 - Didn't let Reguilon have everything his own way despite the Spaniard's fine performance. Was never to be beaten in a race.

CB: Ruben Dias - 8/10 - Stifled Toney in an old-fashioned physical matchup. Produced some important blocks too.

CB: Nathan Ake - 6/10 - Unlike Dias, Ake did have trouble dealing with Toney, leading to Brentford's opening goal.

LB: Josko Gvardiol - 5/10 - Still trying to figure out his place in this City side. Never seemed confident when picking the ball up in the final third.

DM: Rodri - 7/10 - Every touch was so clean and effortless. Came up with the penetrative pass for Foden's clincher.

RW: Bernardo Silva - 6/10 - Like Rodri was a master manipulator of the ball but he found it tough to break down Brentford.

AM: Kevin De Bruyne - 8/10 - Took the game by the scruff of the neck with a series of crosses and through balls into the Brentford box.

AM: Julian Alvarez - 5/10 - Tested Flekken twice early on but wasn't involved too much thereafter.

LW: Phil Foden - 10/10 - Utterly outstanding. Brentford couldn't pin him down or even track him for the most part.

CF: Erling Haaland - 7/10 - Didn't have much luck in way of making his own chances but managed to create space for others with his movement. Grabbed an assist for his troubles too.

SUB: Jeremy Doku (71' for Silva) - 6/10

SUB: Mateo Kovacic (86' for Haaland) - N/A

Pep Guardiola - 7/10 - City were given a scare but they stuck to their guns and carried out a professional job.

This post has been edited by kjs86: Feb 6 2024, 07:50 AM

Player Ratings

Ederson-5/10: A strange performance from City’s number one keeper. Made a couple of good saves but not at his best with his feet. His decision to come for a free-kick late was a strange decision that summed up his performance.

Kyle Walker-7.5/10: Was superb at right back. Defended well and was good in possession. Is looking to be getting back to his best.

Ruben Dias-6.5/10: Did his job but had some nervous moments in possession. Made one tremendous block in the second half. Is building into the season.

Nathan Ake-7/10: Yet another typical Ake performance. Did what he had to do as he usually does. He was however outbodied by Ivan Toney to set up Brentford’s opener.

Josko Gvardiol-7/10: A good display from Gvardiol. Was a threat in possession. He just needs to tidy up his final ball and finishing to be more of a weapon for City.

Rodri-6.5/10: Did his job in the middle but not a standout performance from Rodri.

Bernardo Silva-5/10: Not at his best before being substituted. Toiled away on the right wing but not his best display.

Kevin De Bruyne-8/10: Absolutely superb again. Was all over the pitch and a constant threat to Brentford. Picked up an assist to set up Foden’s second.

Julian Alvarez-7.5/10: Was busy and never out of the game. If it wasn’t for an inspired performance by Mark Flekken he could have had a hat trick.

Phil Foden-10/10: Another masterclass from Foden. After going 1-down City needed someone to inspire them and Foden delivered. A superb hat trick to cap his night’s work.

Erling Haaland-7/10: Spurned his best chance in the first half but his mere presence made an impact on the game. Set up Foden’s hat trick goal with a superb layoff.

Substitutes
Jeremy Doku-6/10: Some flashes from Doku but did what was required when he came on.

Mateo Kovacic-N/A: Not on long enough to mark.

This post has been edited by kjs86: Feb 6 2024, 07:52 AM

Player Ratings

Ederson – 6

A few hairy moments in the first half when coming to deal with short balls back in his direction.

Kyle Walker - 7

Back into the side and Walker’s athleticism gave City an edge down that right-hand side. Decent use of the ball.

Ruben Dias – 7

Seemed a little shaken by Ivan Toney early doors. Huge block at 2-1 though and put his body on the line.

Nathan Ake – 7

Cleverly blocked off by Toney for the opener before becoming more composed as the game wore on.

Josko Gvardiol – 7.5

One of his better nights in a City shirt. More compact defensively and did the basics when progressing forward.

Rodri – 7.5

Pep Guardiola asked a lot of the central midfielder on a night that was always going to be full of transitions.

Bernardo Silva - 7

Neat and tidy on the right wing. Main function was to engineer enough space for Kevin De Bruyne to do his work.

Kevin De Bruyne – 8.5

Another very encouraging display during the first few weeks of his comeback. Dictates proceedings effortlessly.

Julian Alvarez – 8

Busy in behind Erling Haaland and gets through enough work to justify playing in a slightly deeper position.

Phil Foden – 9.5

Second-ever hat-trick and thoroughly deserved for his recent performances. Growing into one of this team’s real stars and more decisive than ever.

Erling Haaland – 7

Should have buried a golden first-half chance but link play looked sharp and a smart assist for Foden’s third.

Subs

Jeremy Doku (for Silva, 71) – 6

Mateo Kovacic (for Haaland, 86)

Another great buying from pep！

Though he will replace who？maybe Bernardo or Grealish swift to middle

I miss ake and grealish on the left,that the reason we win treble

Now with doku and gvardiol on the left the passing OMG

Why Man City are set to add wing-wizard Savio to the ranks


Savio is expected to join Manchester City from Troyes this summer having never played a competitive minute for the French side. The Brazilian signed from Atletico Mineiro in 2022 and was immediately loaned out to Dutch side PSV. Having struggled for minutes in the Eredivisie powerhouse, Savio was then sent to Girona.



To say the 19-year-old has been key for the Spanish side would be an understatement. A number of players have played their part in Girona's surprise title push. Aleix Garcia has been linked with Barcelona having been intrumental in the middle of the park. Artem Dovbyk has taken to top tier European football like a duck to water, scoring 14 goals and providing five assists following his summer arrival from Dnipro-1. Chelsea are supposedly monitoring the Ukraine international.



Savio, though, has arguably proven the pick of the bunch. Indeed, the teenager has earned a WhoScored rating of 7.21 in Spain's top tier this term having scored five and laid on an additional seven assists; no player has more of the latter in La Liga. The Brazilian has also completed more dribbles (62) than any other player in the division. A skillful left winger willing to run at defences? Sounds familiar, right City fans?

When Jeremy Doku joined from Rennes last summer, the presumed expectation was that Pep Guardiola would curb the Belgian's desire to run at opponents in favour of control. Guardiola is a stickler for free spirits after all as noted by the way he restricted Riyad Mahrez and Jack Grealish following their respective arrivals from Leicester and Aston Villa. Doku, though, proved an exception to the rule. The 21-year-old ranks third for successful dribbles (51) of all City players since the start of last season, a metric led by man of the moment Phil Foden (72). For context, Doku has made 14 appearances over that period; Foden has made 54.



The decision to unleash Doku, and the subsequent success in doing so, may well have convinced Guardiola that he needs more free spirits in the squad. After all, a majority of opponents won't take games to City and the defending champions routinely need an alternative route to goal to break down staunch backlines. However Doku hasn't been freely availble to Guardiola for the duration of the Belgian's time at the club.



Injuries have restricted Doku's playing time to an extent and an additional ball carrier would undoubtedly benefit City. Savio is a superb fit in that regard. He prefers to hog the touchline to to maintain the width for Girona and he should do similar for City. What's crucial too is that Savio is a versatile operator that can play anywhere across the frontline. He's played in support of Dovbyk and largely from the right during his time in Brazil, and this flexibility to his game is a quality that Guardiola can utilise.



In addition, Savio is a hard worker when out of the possession to the benefit of his side. Indeed, he is averaging a respectable 1.3 tackles per 90 in Spain's top tier this term and is being dribbled past just 0.4 times per 90. He doesn't go all guns blazing in pursuit of possession but he knows when to time his tackle to help win the ball back in dangerous areas and pressure opponents in key areas of the pitch. ,,

That being said, while Guardiola has sacrificed control to maximise a winger of Doku's talent, the Belgium international, combined with his City teammates, do need to play their part in maintaining dominance over the opposition. Doku's pass success rate of 84.1% in the Premier League this season does require refinement but in turn; is better than that of Savio (82.8%), this coming despite the latter playing for a Girona side that does rank fourth for possession (56.7%) in La Liga this season.


As part of the City Football Group umbrella, it was only a matter of time before City turned their attention to Savio. Troyes' record signing won't even play a single minute for the French side but the Cityzens will be bringing in a winger capable of providing competition and cover for Doku. Guardiola's side are set become significantly stronger down the flanks with Savio's imminent arrival.

This post has been edited by kjs86: Feb 9 2024, 04:16 PM

Ederson, Stones, Akanji, Dias ©, Ake, Rodrigo, Nunes, Foden, Alvarez, Doku, Haaland

Player Ratings

Ederson – 6

Didn’t have to do much but was there when called upon.

Nathan Ake – 7

Helped join the attack and support Jeremy Doku on the left. Defended well.

Manuel Akanji – 6

Good defensively and moved the ball well when pushing up into midfield.

Ruben Dias – 7

Solid as always and took command as he was wearing the armband from kick-off.

John Stones – 7

Always tried to move the ball forward and break the midfield line.

Rodri – 7

Moved the ball well across the pitch and stepped in to stop the Everton counter.

Matheus Nunes – 6

Looked to burst forward into the final third but the low block limited his impact.

Phil Foden – 7

Always in the pockets and ready to receive the ball looking to create chances.

Jeremy Doku – 7

Dynamic on the left side and was the main threat in the first half.

Julian Alvarez – 6

Was everywhere in the final third but struggled to create clear-cut chances.

Erling Haaland – 8

Came alive in the second half with his brace. He showed that he only needs a chance and he will score.

Substitutes

Kevin De Bruyne – 7

As soon as he came on he was trying to create chances and got his assist from Erling Haaland’s second.

Kyle Walker – 7

Pressed high and didn’t let anything past him. Really good showing from the club captain.

Bernardo Silva – 6

Brought on to calm the game down and did just so. Retained possession consistently.

Jack Grealish – 6

Came on as the game was settling down so didn’t have many chances but looked sharp on the ball.

Player Ratings

Ederson: 6
Had very little to do, although did well to stay on for the game after getting an early kick to the face from Godfrey.

Akanji:6
A first start after injury, and switching his time between defence and midfield. Wasn't able to push City on.

Stones: 6
Similar to Akanji, couldn't find his top level as he works his way back from injury to top form.

Dias: 7
Had a physical battle with Dominic Calvert-Lewin and enjoyed the best of it, as well as getting up for corners.

Ake:7
Made himself a threat in the opposition box and seamlessly made the left-back spot his own again.

Rodri: 7
Controlling everything again, albeit needed to up the tempo in the second half to get the team motoring.

Foden: 7
Pushed out to the right, he was City's brightest in the first half but lost a little bit of influence after the break.

Alvarez: 6
Wasn't able to link well with Haaland and struggled to test Pickford.

Nunes: 5
Never settled into the game and made too many poor decisions when he did get onto the ball.

Doku: 6
Delighted the crowd regularly taking the ball past Everton players. Also lost the ball regularly, and didn't create very much.

Haaland: 8
He might be back. A frustrating game until the moment he thundered in one goal then coolly slotted in another.

Substitutes

De Bruyne: 7
Injected life into the team and another assist for Haaland's second.

Walker: 7
Positive approach and kept City pushing up high into the Everton half.

Player Ratings

Ederson - 6/10 - Took a whack to the face early in the match but had a clear head when playing through Everton's press.

John Stones - 4/10 - Stepping into midfield with less purpose than he usually shows, only sporadically making a meaningful contribution from this advanced area.

Ruben Dias - 6/10 - Embraced the physical battle with Dominic Calvert-Lewin, utterly unfazed after getting body-slammed on to the sidelines by Everton's number nine in the first half.

Nathan Ake - 5/10 - Afforded licence to push down the left wing at times but didn't overly disrupt the visitors.

Manuel Akanji - 6/10 - Almost permanently stationed in midfield, whether that was pushing forward from left-back, his starting position, or the middle of the backline.

Matheus Nunes - 5/10 - A picture of perpetual motion, constantly breaking the lines of Everton's blockade with speedy darts but rarely picked out by his teammates.

Rodri - 6/10 - Given space at the base of midfield by City's wandering full-backs but didn't take full advantage.

Julian Alvarez - 4/10 - Hasty and hurried whenever he got hold of the ball.

Phil Foden - 5/10 - Peripheral first-half figure and shifted decidedly infield after the break.

Erling Haaland - 9/10 - Swarmed whenever he had a rare touch of the ball but kept his patience to remain as potent as ever.

Jeremy Doku - 7/10 - City's sparkiest performer throughout, singlehandedly unbalancing Everton by beating his man.

Substitutes

Kevin De Bruyne - 7/10 - On the pitch for barely half an hour and clocked up yet another assist.

Kyle Walker - 6/10 - The arrival of a City's captain allowed Foden to drift infield and provided City with more permanent width.

Player Ratings

Ederson-6/10: Didn’t have to make a save of note but was good in possession. A quiet afternoon for the Brazilian keeper.

John Stones-7/10: The England international played at right-back before Walker’s introduction. Was good on the ball as always and defended well when called upon.

Manual Akanji-5.5/10: Appeared lost when drifting into midfield. Defended well when required and should be better for the run after his injury layoff.

Ruben Dias-7.5/10: A dominant display at the back from Dias. Made some strong challenges and looks back to his best form.

Nathan Ake-7/10: Ake did his job as he always does. Was rarely troubled at the back and did what was required to help his team pick up a vital three points.

Rodri-7.5/10: Showed his tremendous leadership ability in another quality performance. Was often seen urging his team on and dictated the midfield battle.

Matheus Nunes-4/10: A poor display from Nunes. Appeared to be trying too hard at times. He needs to close the gap between his best and worst to be a consistent contributor.

Phil Foden-7/10: Everything Foden did was quality. He never stopped trying and put in a very mature display.

Julian Alvarez-5/10: He tried hard as always but not one of his better games. Can’t fault his work rate just his execution.

Jeremy Doku-7.5/10: Was by far City’s most dangerous player before Haaland’s heroics and De Bruyne’s introduction. A decent display from Doku.

Erling Haaland-9/10: City’s number 9 won the game for his team. He was subdued for the majority but when City needed him he stepped up with a brace. He appears ready to explode for the remainder of the season.

Substitutes

Kevin De Bruyne-7.5/10: City needed their talisman and when called upon he provided the lift they needed. His assist for Haaland’s second was typical of the City legend.

Kyle Walker-7/10: Walker gave his team the drive they needed when introduced. He also defended well on the occasions he was required. A quality cameo from the City captain.

Player Ratings

Ederson: 6
Barely had anything to do as Everton could rarely get out of their own half. Took a little blow early on when Ben Godfrey slid in on him which required medical attention but never really tested.

John Stones: 6
Far from his busiest afternoon as he former club struggled to get forward and pose a threat. Composed on the ball when required as City worked the ball out from the back.

Ruben Dias: 6
Likewise, was rarely taxed by Everton's forward line. Had a tussle with Dominic Calvert-Lewin by the touchline early on and was able to keep him quiet for the most part.

Nathan Ake: 6.5
Was able to concentrate on supporting City's attack with little to do in defence. Happy to provide a threat from set-pieces, of which there were many with City forcing nine corners. Claimed the assist for Haaland's opener after touching it on to him amid penalty box scramble.

Manuel Akanji: 6
Like Ake was able to get forward and a goalbound shot just before half-time was blocked by James Tarkowski, which VAR checked for a handball that wasn't given. 6

Rodrii:7
As metronomic as ever in the midfield and helped increase the tempo in the second-half as City pushed for the breakthrough goal.

Phil Fodeni:7
Involved heavily in the first-half down the right side and tested the Everton defence with a couple of efforts that were well blocked. Faded a little in influence after half-time.

Matheus Nunesi: 5
Made a couple of good early runs in behind but otherwise you never felt he was going to influence the game. Unsurprisingly replaced by Kevin De Bruyne just before the hour mark.

Julian Alvarez:6
Not overly influential and didn't link up with Haaland with much intuition. Saw a couple of half-chances come and go.

Jeremy Doku:7
Always involved as he caused issues for Ashley Young and Ben Godfrey down the left flank, especially in the first-half. Capable of beating his man but the final product was mostly lacking.

Erling Haaland:8
Had hardly been involved until he most emphatically was. Thrashed home the first goal with venom after the ball fell perfectly for him inside the box and then was never going to miss the second after getting the better of Jarrad Branthwaite. Took him to 16 league goals of the season and top of the scorers charts.

SUBS

Kyle Walker:7
Offered more going forward and helped City step up the tempo after the hour mark.

Kevin De Bruyne:7
Integral to City's win as he offered an upwards gear shift. Set up Haaland's second with a brilliant ball from inside his own half.

Starting XI: Ederson, Walker ©, Stones, Dias, Ake, Rodrigo, De Bruyne, Bernardo, Foden, Grealish, Haaland.

0-1 KEVIN DE BRUYNE

1-1

Half-Time: Copenhagen 1-2 ManCity

FULL-TIME 1-3 ManCity

Player Ratings

Ederson – 5

His only contribution of note was to give the ball away cheaply to allow Copenhagen to equalise, leaving him helpless to stop the shot flying in.

Kyle Walker – 7

Helped to control potential Copenhagen counter-attacks by covering with his pace. Not given much responsibility in attack.

Ruben Dias – 8

Battled manfully against two physical strikers in Viktor Claesson and Andreas Cornelius, and got the better of both.

Nathan Ake – 7

One athletic diving header clearance was the most that was asked of him defensively. Played his part on the ball.

John Stones – 7.5

Popped up in those midfield zones as impressively as ever, knitting together passages of play and putting out fires wherever he had to.

Rodri – 8

Bossed the midfield like usual. Picked up all the loose balls and dictated the play from deep.

Bernardo Silva – 8

Rotated effectively with Foden on the right flank, providing some nice touches in advanced zones and scoring a lovely goal before being forced off after a nasty challenge on him.

Kevin De Bruyne – 8.5

Not everything came off for him in an extremely involved showing, but he had that fear factor every time he got that ball, collected two assists and fired home a top opener.

Phil Foden – 9 (MOTM)

A delight again. Drifted all over the pitch demanding the ball, provided the first goal for De Bruyne and was involved in everything good the visitors did.

Erling Haaland – 6

Held the ball up well on occasion but was rarely involved and was feeding on scraps inside the box, until those two late chances.

Jack Grealish – 7

An extremely frustrating evening for the winger, who had started the match in fine fashion with his driving on the ball, before being forced off with an injury.


Substitutes

Jeremy Doku – 6.5

As ever with the Belgian, a mixed back of some electrifying moments and some disappointing decision-making.

Matheus Nunes – 6.5

Gave a decent injection of energy to City’s attacking play.

Player Ratings

Ederson: City's hero in this competition last year dropped a clanger in Copenhagen, although recovered after it. 5

Walker: Content to stay back with Foden and De Bruyne ahead of him and Stones roaming forward, and was disciplined. 7

Stones: This was more like it as the England man rolled back the months to stroll up the pitch and get involved in attacks. 7

Dias: Nothing that stood out but that can be seen as a positive for a defender who has struggled at times this season. 7

Ake: A few sloppy passes in the first half but a crucial header clear after the break when the home side sniffed another equaliser. 7

Rodri: Happy to drop back to let Stones go forward and it felt like a game that he was in complete control of for so long. 7

Foden: Always busy and nearly always effective, causing problems all night for Copenhagen and setting up the first before grabbing the third. 9

De Bruyne: One goal, two assists, and another performance to show that nobody can touch him at his best. 8

Silva: Moved about everywhere in midfield linking well with all of his teammates and popped up with an important goal. 8

Grealish: A real shame that he had to come off early as he had started brightly and with intent down the left. 7

Haaland: No goal from a few half-chances, but he led the line well and kept hunting all night. 7


Substitutes

Doku : Erratic for most of the game with too many loose touches and losing position. But when it comes off, it really works. 6

Nunes : Shored things up for the final minutes. 6